Comments on: RTA Opt Out Legislation Introduced

By: Jack Eaton

Jack Eaton — Fri, 03 May 2013 16:59:14 +0000

As I recall, SMART is composed of three subordinate transit authorities – one for each county. The Oakland County entity was formed in a manner that allows local units to opt-out, while Macomb was formed in a manner in which the entire county is either in, or out. (Off the top of my head, I do not recall how Wayne County is structured)

The contrast between the experience of Oakland and Macomb counties should be instructive for purposes of considering this bill. A map showing service areas in Oakland County look like Swiss cheese because of the local units that have opted-out, while all of Macomb County participates.

If this bill passes, it not only would allow Washtenaw County to escape the RTA, but there is a likelihood that Macomb County would opt-out. Additionally, each local community could decide whether to participate. The result would undermine the concept of regional transit.

By: David Cahill

David Cahill — Thu, 02 May 2013 22:24:42 +0000

If this bill passes the House, it will be dead on arrival in the Senate. Senator Warren will see to that.

By: Douglas E Fuller

Douglas E Fuller — Thu, 02 May 2013 16:44:44 +0000

Concur with Rep. Irwin’s comments. Either we are going to be part of the region, and participate, or put our heads in the sand and pretend.

By: Vivienne Armentrout

Vivienne Armentrout — Thu, 02 May 2013 13:45:02 +0000

I agree with Jeff. I've been concerned about the impact of the RTA on transit in Washtenaw County. However, if individual communities within the RTA are allowed to secede, the efficacy of the entire effort will be called into question. This issue of governance and local option has bedeviled efforts to regionalize transit for decades. I reviewed some of the issues in a post last year: [link]